KUALA LUMPUR:Two former prime ministers paid tribute to the late Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, reflecting on their time serving under his administration, and sharing personal memories of his leadership.
Describing the late Abdullah as a friend and mentor, Najib Razak recalled him as a guiding figure, whose advice and leadership deeply influenced his own journey.
Najib, who succeeded Abdullah as the country’s sixth prime minister, admired his predecessor’s governance style – anchored in accountability, and a commitment to excellence in both politics and public administration.
“His spirit and principles were among the key inspirations behind the formulation of the 1Malaysia concept – People First, Performance Now – which guided my administration.
“On a personal level, Pak Lah was very close to our family – like an elder brother and loyal friend through all of life’s ups and downs.
“Pak Lah will always be remembered for his immense contributions to religion, race, and country. He was a noble soul. My heartfelt condolences to all members of Pak Lah’s family and friends,” Najib wrote, in a Facebook post.
Najib served as deputy prime minister under the Abdullah administration from Jan 7, 2004, to April 3, 2009.
Meanwhile, the country’s ninth prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, described Abdullah as a father figure, who nurtured and guided him in both politics and governance throughout his rise in public service.
“I am deeply indebted to the late Pak Lah, who gave me the opportunity to contest the Bera parliamentary seat in 2004, and later entrusted me with the responsibility as youth and sports minister in 2008,” he said.
“The nation mourns this great loss. He was a statesman who dedicated his life to the service of religion, race, and the country. His contributions are deeply appreciated, especially by me,” Ismail added, in a tribute on Facebook.
Abdullah, 85, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) at 7.10pm today.
Born on Nov 26, 1939, in Bayan Lepas, Penang, he served as Malaysia’s fifth prime minister, from Oct 31, 2003, to April 3, 2009, following the resignation of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.